Donate your car in Arizona by December 31 and, in most cases, you can deduct the sale price on this year’s federal taxes. With Desert Wheels, vehicles that sell for over $500 generate an IRS Form 1098-C, which we mail to you after your car sells. That form shows the actual gross sale amount — that’s what you can usually deduct, not the Kelley Blue Book value. If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you’ll use our written acknowledgment and may deduct up to $500 or your car’s fair market value, whichever is lower. You must itemize on Schedule A to claim the deduction, and your pickup confirmation is proof you donated by December 31.
Desert Wheels partners with Heritage for the Blind, a real 501(c)(3) supporting people who are blind or visually impaired. We arrange free towing anywhere in Arizona — from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler to Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, and smaller communities across Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal Counties. No smog check, no repairs, non-running cars welcome. Our 2-minute online form or quick phone call locks in your donation date, and we work Monday–Saturday to schedule fast pickups so you can meet the IRS deadline and still enjoy your holidays.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute Arizona donation form or call
2 minutesSubmit our secure online form or call to donate from anywhere in Arizona — Phoenix to Tucson, Glendale to Gilbert. We collect basic info about your vehicle and contact details. The date you complete this step and agree to donate is the key date for your tax year.
Confirm pickup time and lock in your donation date
5 minutesOur towing partner calls to schedule free pickup, usually Monday–Saturday. Once you confirm, your donation date is locked in. Keep any email or text confirming the pickup request as proof you donated by December 31 for this tax year.
Free pickup anywhere in Arizona, even non-running
1–3 daysWe tow your car at no cost from your home, office, or shop in places like Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, or Oro Valley. No inspection or repairs needed. The tow receipt is additional evidence of your donation for your records.
Vehicle is sold and paperwork is processed
2–8 weeksDesert Wheels arranges the sale of your vehicle. When it sells for more than $500, we prepare IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price. If it sells for $500 or less, we prepare a written acknowledgment with the required IRS language.
Receive your tax documents and file your return
After saleWithin 30 days of the sale, we mail you IRS Form 1098-C (over $500) or a written acknowledgment (at or under $500). You use this plus Schedule A when filing. Consult your tax advisor to apply the deduction to your federal and, where applicable, state return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Deduction equals sale price, not book value
For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the IRS generally lets you deduct the car’s actual gross sale price listed on Form 1098-C, not the Kelley Blue Book estimate or your purchase price.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
When your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Desert Wheels sends you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. This form shows the sale amount and is your official proof for claiming the deduction.
Written acknowledgment at or under $500
If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, we send you a written acknowledgment instead of Form 1098-C. You may deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower, based on current IRS rules.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are claimed as charitable deductions on Schedule A of your federal return. You only benefit if you itemize deductions rather than taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can confirm what’s best for you.
December 31 controls which tax year
To claim your deduction for this tax year, your donation must be completed by December 31. The key is the date you donate the vehicle, not when you file. Keep your pickup confirmation as proof of the donation date.